2 Union Co. Towns Add Mental Health Screeners To Police Response

UNION COUNTY, NJ — As part of a statewide initiative to de-escalate the use of violence in police response, two mental health screeners will soon join two Union County police officers in responding to 9-1-1 calls for behavioral health crises.

The mental health screeners will join Elizabeth and Linden police officers later this month. This announcement, made at the John Stamier Police Academy in Scotch Plains on Monday, marks the expansion of the ARRIVE Together Program — short for "Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence & Escalation."

State Police debuted this program in Cumberland County in December.

According to Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platskin, a screen from Trinitas Medical Center will travel with a plainclothes Elizabeth or Linden police officer in the officer's unmarked vehicle to respond to 9-1-1 calls for services relating to mental or behavioral health crises.

ARRIVE Together shifts will be held two times per week on days alternating between each police department. When not responding to calls, the ARRIVE team will follow up with previous individuals served, as well as visit individuals in the community known to law enforcement who would benefit from such mental health outreach.

“I am proud of the success the ARRIVE Together program has shown during its pilot period,” Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement. “Connecting individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis with mental health professionals will help to de-escalate these situations in a safe and healthy way. This program is yet another tool for our law enforcement officers to utilize and better assist the communities they serve.”

Platkin said the expansion of ARRIVE Together is the latest step in an effort to "better assess and address behavioral health crises that law enforcement officers encounter and strengthen public safety across New Jersey."

“By piloting this program in two additional jurisdictions, we are broadening our goal of connecting those in crisis with the proper mental health resources they need, which in turn helps officers, counselors, and the communities we all collectively serve,” Platkin said.

Senator Joe Cryan, who served as Union County Sheriff, added that this program will decrease pressure on responding officers and give them the support they need to continue to help others and keep communities safe.

Linden Police Chief David Hart said, "The mental health crisis in our state has expanded exponentially over the past several years, and Police Officers are called upon to assist in these situations at an alarming rate. This program, combined with our existing initiatives and enhanced training, will further strengthen our relationships and help us better serve this vulnerable part of our community.”

For more information on the Attorney General’s Office’s initiatives to improve outcomes for individuals suffering from mental illness, intellectual disabilities and disorders, substance abuse, and other behavioral health concerns, visit www.njoag.gov/behavioralhealth.